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We at BobVila.com love home hacks that involve inexpensive and readily available materials. Ice can solve myriad household hassles, from watering hard-to-reach plants to cleaning up difficult messes. The next time you are stumped about how to solve one of the following problems, grab a few cubes from the tray in your freezer.
1. Erase Carpet Dents
So you’ve decided to rearrange the furniture, and now you’re left with a bunch of ugly carpet dents where the furniture legs formerly stood. To easily and quickly remove those imprints, place an ice cube in each dent and let it melt. Then, use your fingers or a soft brush to fluff up the carpeting. Once the surface dries, nobody will know the dents were there.
2. Keeping Cool When There’s No AC
In the summer, cool yourself down with nothing more than a bowl of ice cubes and a portable fan. Put a bowl full of ice cubes on a table, position the fan so the air is blowing across the cubes, and enjoy the cool, refreshing breeze. Once the ice melts, you can refreeze the water in the bowl for another round of DIY air conditioning.
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See It3. Eliminate Fabric Stains
Conventional wisdom has it that immediately after spilling something on your clothing you should dab cold water on the stain. Ice cubes, however, are even better at preventing a stain from setting. As soon as you notice a splatter, hold an ice cube on the spot for several seconds, then dab with a clean paper napkin; repeat as needed. Another benefit: As the ice can be applied to one concentrated area of fabric, you won’t get water all over the rest of your garment.
4. Clean Up Sticky Messes
Ice can help remove sticky chewing gum from clothes, carpets, and table linens. All you have to do is rub an ice cube over the gum until it freezes and hardens, then scrape off the residue with the edge of a spoon or a putty knife. Repeat, if necessary, until all traces of gum are gone. This technique also works well for removing candle wax from carpets and fabric.
5. Solve Garbage Disposal Woes
If your garbage disposal isn’t doing its job effectively, a buildup of grease and debris in the grinding mechanism may be to blame. Solve the problem by grinding ice cubes in the disposal. The ice will lubricate the mechanism and loosen the grease. While you’re at it, dump about 1/2 cup of baking soda or some lemon rinds in with the ice—both additions can eliminate odors in the garbage disposal.
6. Hydrate Your Houseplants
Hanging houseplants can be a hassle to maintain, especially if they’re suspended high off the ground. Rather than teetering on step stool to water your plants, toss a few ice cubes onto the dirt. As the ice melts it will slowly hydrate your greenery. This strategy also works for sensitive plants like orchids and African violets that don’t like a lot of water at once. Consider adding ice rather than tap water to your Christmas tree stand, too: Ice won’t spill over and ruin your decorations and gifts.
7. Ease Splinter Removal
DIY carpenters or those who regularly work with wood know how painful it is to remove splinters with a needle or tweezers. Icing the area around the splinter to make the removal process less painful.
8. Soothe Burns, Blisters, and Bruises
Applying an ice cube to burned skin can help prevent further damage and decrease the chances that a painful blister will form. Rub an ice cube over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes, as soon after the injury as possible. Similarly, ice cubes can minimize bruising at a point of impact because the cold helps constrict blood vessels. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth or an old T-shirt, place on your bruise for 15 minutes, and repeat the application every hour or so.
9. Even Seams When Caulking
Caulk can be a sticky mess when you try to smooth a seam with your fingertips, leaving you with an uneven and messy result. Next tim, use an ice cube to smooth the bead of caulk instead of using your fingers. The caulk won’t stick to the ice, and you’ll end up with a professional-looking seam.
10. Smooth Out Wrinkles
Don’t fret over wrinkles on your clothes. For smooth fabric at a moment’s notice, wrap an ice cube in a soft cloth and rub it over the wrinkles. Once the wrinkles are slightly damp, iron them dry—and head right out the door.
11. Clean Your Vases and Glassware
Coffee pots, carafes, vases, bottles, and decanters are notoriously difficult to clean—especially if they have long, slender necks. For an easy way to clean these glass pieces, place ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon juice in the vessel. Vigorously swirl the mixture for a few minutes to remove all the built-up gunk in the bottom of the container. Repeat the process as needed to keep your glassware sparkling and shiny.